Cryptic Stuff

[not_for_sale]

While it was done some years ago I see, I thought I would try a cryptic crossword-like thread for fun and to try and boost a little more interest here. I made up the below question for anyone interested in such a challenge. I thought the first person to get it correct might come up with the next question. A clue though - if you copy one from a newspaper or magazine etc., the answer can often be found on the internet. I can explain the answer for anyone who asks. 🙂

The prisoner at the cave would not stand for the electrically charged droplets of water.

(12 letters)

[countessalmirena]

Dartmouth…?

[not_for_sale]

Yes countess.

[countessalmirena]

Downright heading towards the gothic, heroine left the original for future development (7)

[countessalmirena]

CLUE

Downright heading towards the gothic, heroine left the original for future development (7)

_ E _ _ _ _ _

[not_for_sale]

Deathly...

[countessalmirena]

No, not it.

Downright heading towards the gothic, heroine left the original for future development (7)

_ E _ I _ _ _

One of the clues is pointing on a compass.

[not_for_sale]

Is the fourth letter an upper case i (like the E) or a lower case L?

[twyngwyn]

seminal...?

[countessalmirena]

It was a capital I.

And twyngwyn has it.

Downright heading towards the gothic, heroine left the original for future development (7)

WORDPLAY

downright heading towards -> SE

the gothic heroine -> Mina

left -> L

SE+Mina+L

WHOLE DEFINITION

original for future development = seminal

Over to you, twyngwyn.

[twyngwyn]

take direction from previous answer and get note, perhaps? (5)